Well, anybody that pays attention to the pop news knows that Jason Castro scored big on American Idol with his rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, while artfully strumming a Ukulele. So simple, and so great.

Well, Jason certainly got his inspiration from the great and beloved Isreal Kamakawiwio`ole … Bruddah Iz … and his world renowned recording of the same tune. Bruddah Iz passed on in 1997, but his music remains strong, in Hawaii and around the world.

(In fairness to all parties, the song was first recorded in 1939 by Judy Garland for the box office hit “Wizard of OZ”. I believe it was the first Technicolor film I ever saw, and that was in early 1940. So there. And I was 8 years old … so there, again.)

If you’re prepping for your first visit to Hawaii, knowing about Bruddah Iz is an essential. Many of his songs address the desire of the Hawaiian people to protect their cultural heritage, as well as giving the world a sense of what Hawaii’s all about. You’ll hear his music everywhere. You may already know some of his work.

His great version of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” was included in the soudtracks of “Meet Joe Black” “Finding Forrester” and “50 First Dates.” On a personal note, I recall seeing “Meet Joe Black” when I lived on Maui. The song came on towards the end, maybe while the credits were being shown. I can tell you this, nobody left that auditorium ’til the song was completed. There was a litte throat clearing and eye dabbing going on, too.

Strangely enough, I read an article about that film written by a so-called movie critic of a major national magazine. This critic claimed Bruddah Iz’s song somehow insulted the memory of Judy Garland. Well, Thrrruuup! on you Mr. Movie Critic. History has certainly proved otherwise.

Please do acquaint yourself with Bruddah Iz before you go to Hawaii. It’ll make your Hawaii Vacation just that much more pleasurable.

So, spend a few enjoyable minutes listening and viewing the videos below. You choose which one you like the best. Yeah, and leave a comment about your choice. Then, check out the sources for Bruddah Iz’s great songs.

First, Here’s Bruddah Iz

Now comes, Jason Castro

And, finally, Judy Garland

And, I’ve also listed a few opportunities to add Bruddah Iz to your music library.

My personal favorite! Facing Future
In this selection,”Wind Beneath My Wings” will tear you up … No, I mean really. E Ala E
This group led the way to “new” Hawaiian sounds. Olomana

OK, can’t leave this post without my stimulating, mind blowing News Flash and Hawaii Fun Facts features:
News Flash: Island Air announces new service, Honolulu to Lihue, Kaua`i. Find out about it Here
Fun Facts About Hawaii: Kilauea Mountain on Big Island is considered to be most active volcano in the world.

Aloha a hui hou

Ok, I neglected to leave you News Flash, and Fun Facts About Hawaii on my last post, so we’ll “kiss and make up” with two of each.

News Flash: An event that has been going on in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island for several weeks now, is going to wrap up in late May. It’s called 2008 Kona Earth Festival. But here’s the thing, and this is especially true if you have keikis (kids), one of the major events is called Jack’s Diving Locker Ocean Fair ,and it takes place on Saturday, May 24, 2008.

Second News Flash: Have you read the claims AAA has made about what it costs to vacation in Hawaii for just one day. Get this … according to a AAA survey released Monday [5/5/2008] … it costs two adults an average of $793 a day for food and lodging alone. Here’s my take: COMPLETELY IGNORE THE STATEMENT!

Even the most rudimentary research online (and that’s where you should be making your arrangements) will show the $793 figure as just crappy … did I just type crappy? … bean counting analysis. Having a simply glorious Hawaiian vacation is going to cost you far less than that.

Two Fun Facts About Hawaii:

• The State Bird is called a Nene. It’s a flightless goose slightly smaller, but similar in appearance, than a Canadian goose.

• The State Flower is a Yellow Hibiscus. No, not a Red Hibiscus, a Yellow Hibiscus.

OK, I’m gone.

Aloha a hui hou.

Ukulele facts, the history of ukulele, and ukulele cord charts are all over the internet. Just Google any of those terms and you’ll have at least an afternoon’s reading.

What sometimes is missing, is what a love affair there is between the ukulele and the music from it, and the people of Hawaii. Almost every school, grade school on up, has a ukulele band. Bet you don’t have that in Yuma, Arizona or Portland, Maine.
The instrument, and the music from it, is rooted in the arrival of Portuguese immigrants in the 1870’s, sugar plantation workers, and the culture’s just plain love of music. It’s “everyman’s” musical instrument; portable, basic cording is pretty easy, and very versatile (just ask Jake Shimabukuro).

Oh, about the “jumping flea” part. There are many stories as to the origin of the name “ukulele.” One, of many, is that when people saw it played rapidly, fingers dancing and strumming, it reminded them of a flea jumpng around.
In Hawaiian:
uku (oo coo)=flea
lele (leh leh)=jump,leap
Put ‘em together folks and you get “ukulele.”

OK, OK, here’s the announcement … I’ve edited it somewhat in the interest of brevity. If you wrote it, I guess you can just come over and slap me:

SAN CLEMENTE, Ca. -May, 2008. The Surfing Heritage Foundation will be hosting ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro on Sunday, May 25th. The concert will be held at the Foundation’s cultural heritage facility … 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, CA 92672. Show time 7:30 pm and doors open to the general public at 6:30 pm. General admission is $25. VIP tickets, include dinner, drinks and premiere seating,$75. Proceeds go to the Surfing Heritage Foundation … .

Jake Shimabukuro is fast becoming recognized [he's already recognized] as one of the world’s top ukulele musicians. His virtuosity defies label or category, playing jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock, Jake’s mission is to show everyone that the instrument is capable of so much more than Hawaiian music. Jake has played and recorded with a treasure trove of other musicians including; Jimmy Buffet, Diana Krall, Fiona Apple, Bobby McFerrin, and Ziggy Marley. He has also appeared on The Late Show with Conan O’Brien.

Here’s a good place to start on your ukulele research:

Aloha a hui hou